Top tips for effective and successful exam preparation

When it comes to revision and preparing for exams, it is hard for a student to know where to begin! Occasionally the difficulties school students have with preparing for exams and end-of-year assessments stem from a need to acquire and grow essential skills, such as good time management, effective revision techniques and coping with stress and anxiety. The following advice for students might help.

1. Start early and organise your time

Avoid leaving revision to the last minute - while some students may thrive on a last-minute approach, this is the number one cause for anxiety and stress and often leads to long ineffective hours in the bedroom or library. Start early and create a study schedule to organise your time fairly and evenly across all your subjects. Make sure you start early enough to incorporate days off and maintain your favourite hobbies, activities and sports throughout the lead up to exams.

2. Prepare an effective revision space

It is important to make sure that your work environment is conducive to study and revision. Clear the clutter from your desk, make sure there is adequate lighting and remove any distractions that may prevent you from studying. Try to understand what helps you focus and concentrate - for some this may mean silence whilst for others it may mean a certain style of music playing in the background. Do what works for you.

3. Revise effectively - flow charts, visuals and mind maps

For many of you, copying out pages from a textbook or making copious amounts of notes is your understanding of what constitutes effective revision. However, studies have proven this to be extremely ineffective in helping you to retain information and develop understanding. Speak with your teacher on how to revise effectively. They may suggest flow charts, creating visuals and using mind maps.

4. Past papers

Practice, practice, practice and then practice some more. One of the most effective revision techniques is to complete past papers of the subject you are studying for. Not only will this help you to develop your examination technique, but it will also make you more comfortable with the format and style of questions that you will receive in the actual exam. Make sure you refer to mark schemes, the examiner's report or your teacher for feedback so that you can continue to improve your understanding.

5. Teach others

One of the most effective revision techniques is to teach others. Practice this by teaching your friends and/or your family certain topics from your subject. Make sure they fully understand what you are teaching them by breaking down the topic into easily understood points.

6. Study dates and group revision days

Organise revision days with your friends. Not only will this break up the monotony of revising alone, but it will also enable you to ask questions on areas of the course you do not fully understand. Be careful though, this is a tricky one to master! Try to avoid getting distracted.

7. Make sure you incorporate breaks into your revision schedule.

Regular breaks are an essential component for effective revision. Try to give yourself 15 minutes every hour. Breaks are needed for the brain to regain focus and to consolidate. Do not feel guilty when taking a break and make sure you use this time effectively to unwind or work on a hobby. Revising for long hours at any one time is extremely ineffective and must be avoided.

8. Feed your brain

Avoid eating and drinking unhealthily whilst you study. Make sure you are eating foods packed with nutrients and vitamins. This will help keep your body and mind healthy enabling you to concentrate and focus.